Things to do

The List Of 20 Top Things To Do In Taiwan

Source : pexels

Taiwan, a state near China, offers everything a tourist may desire on a holiday. Modern urban areas, scenic mountain ranges, and the classic, authentic beauty of Chinese temples.

With such a diverse range of areas and ecosystems, there are several activities to do in Taiwan, and there is something for everyone to fall in love with on this stunning island. Some unmissable things to do in Taiwan include:

1. Spend A Day Exploring Taichung

Source : kkday

Located west of central Taiwan, Taichung is mainly an industrial city but also very well known for its unusual clubs and night markets. Fengjia is one of the biggest night markets in Taiwan, where almost everything from food, and clothes to shoes can be found.

A visit to one of Taichung's brewpubs, to taste some of the best locally brewed beers, is among the must-do activities in Taiwan. Many of these streets will have several coffee shops with a weird theme idea leading their design.

2. Enjoy Sunrises At Elephant Hills

Source : pexels

Elephant Hills is a mountain in the Xinyi District of Taipei and is sometimes referred to as Elephant Mountain, Mount Elephant, or Xiangshan. Climbing the mountain is one of the most popular recreations in Taiwan, with a view of the city skyline.

It takes around fifteen to twenty minutes to get to the summit. Both sunset and dawn viewing are popular at the peak, however in order to avoid crowds, visitors usually choose for morning viewing.

3. Hike The Swallow Grotto At Taroko

Source : instagram

A walk-in Chinese artwork is Taiwan's most popular tourist attraction. The marble cliffs of Taroko Gorge rise above the froth of the blue-green Liwu River, swirling with the hues of an artist's palette.

A very iconic landscape is created when you combine gray mist, abundant flora, and waterfalls that appear to be falling out of heaven. To witness the gorge at its most breathtaking, stroll along the Swallow Grotto or risk the dizzying Zhuilu Old Trail, which is 500 meters (1,640 feet) above the canyon bottom.

4. Soak In Beitou's Hot Springs

Source : facebook

There are many cracks in the ground surface of this nation, which results in a large number of spring sources that are difficult to find anywhere else in the world. According to locals, the waters may help with anything from conceiving to muscular relaxation.

Visit Beitou, Wulai, or Taian if you enjoy soaking in pools made of stone, wood, or marble while seeing the mountains. Travel deep into valleys for a pure wild spring, such as Lisong Hot Spring, which is frequently regarded as the most beautiful of them all, or travel to Green Island to visit one of the three seawater hot springs in the world for wild spontaneous dips.

5. Visit Kenting National Park

Source : facebook

Kenting National Park, located in Taiwan's Pingtung County, is well-known for its beaches, mountains, and the well-known Spring Scream rock event. Hiking is among the top activities in Kenting, which is undoubtedly one of Taiwan's top destinations.

Travelers typically describe the hike to the park's summit as "easy" or "not so difficult" Here, swimming, cycling, and surfing are other popular pastimes. The greatest season to visit Kenting is during the summer when the water is at its hottest. Spring and fall, when the water is colder but not quite chilly, come next.

6. Explore The National Palace Museum

Source : vecteezy

Learning about the history and culture of this enchanting place is just the best way to kick off your tour of Taiwan.

Founded in 1965, the National Palace Museum of Taiwan boasts more than 8,000 years of history and houses one of the world's largest collections: 7,000 works of Chinese art that embrace calligraphy, pottery, paintings, and sculptures.

Its must-see items include the Jadeite Cabbage sculpture and Guo Xi's Early Spring (1072). It opens from 8:30 AM to 6:30 PM on weekdays and from 8:30 AM until 9 PM on weekends.

7. Discover The Rainbow Family Village

Source : facebook

The Rainbow Village, one of Taiwan's liveliest places, is located near Taichung. The Rainbow Village was designed by a former army member to bring some color to the homes of retired service members. Today, it is a cultural area protected by the government and receives hundreds of visitors each day.

Before the last ten or so years, the area was almost unknown to tourists, but in the last few years, it has become a popular destination on lists of things to do in Taiwan as it is bright, colorful, and is one of the truly exciting locations.

8. Go For An Adventure At Sun Moon Lake In Nantou

Source : facebook

Taiwan's biggest body of water, Sun Moon Lake, is located in Nantou County's Yuchi Township. Visits to Sun Moon Lake are the best option if you're unsure of what to do in Taiwan. Cherry blossoms, the lake ropeway, beautiful scenery, and locally brewed black tea are the main attractions of this lake. 

Although the lake is amazing and very alluring, swimmers should be aware that it is not permitted to swim in it outside of the annual Mass Swim at Sun Moon Lake in September. So, if you are an adventure lover who is traveling Taiwan then don't miss out on this amazing experience.

9. See The High Heels Church In Budai Township

Source : facebook

Either to accommodate ladies or in honor of a local legend whose legs had to be amputated after contracting a deadly malady known as Blackfoot, the High Heel church is unique in all of history. Despite being a church, its primary function is to accommodate weddings and photo shoots.

This shoe-shaped church is unquestionably a commendable architectural design that never fails to attract attention, particularly from women. If the aforementioned local rumor is accurate, you must visit this tourist destination to pay your respects and offer prayers for her soul.

10. Experience Taiwanese Tea Culture

Source : facebook

Although the region had native tea plants before Chinese colonialism, tea cultivation in Taiwan mostly began in the 19th century with the introduction of Chinese seedlings. Taiwan grows many types of tea, but oolong is the most widely consumed because it thrives in the country's foggy, hilly climate.

Additionally, the Taiwanese have a tea ceremony that incorporates aspects of Japan and China's tea rituals with their cultural flare. In this context, tea ceremonies are more about uniting people than they are about following the rules.

Some of the greatest locations to visit if you want to taste the tea and discover more about its production include Jiufen, Jwu Jiu Teahouse, and Pinglin. Another option is to take the Maokong Gondola up a mountain to a remote teahouse, where you can sip tea and enjoy the breathtaking views.

11. Go Island Hopping

Source : facebook

There are 168 Taiwanese islands spread throughout 7 distinct archipelagos, even though most people only consider Taiwan to be one major island (also called Formosa). The majority of islands are very tiny, but there is a huge diversity; some are easily accessible by boat from the main island, while others need flying and are best visited for a few days.

The largest archipelago is made up of the stunning islands of Penghu, which are particularly well-known for their golden beaches and are located off the western coast of Taiwan.

In a single day, you can go from snorkeling to seeing sea turtles and exploring traditional coral-built communities since each island is unique and you can rent a boat that will drop you off at one for a few hours and then transport you to the next.

12. Ride A Glass Floor Gondola Over Tea Fields

Source : wanderthemap

Light, fruity Baozhong oolong tea is cultivated on the slopes around Taipei, which is reached by the Maokong Gondola, which rises from the Taipei Zoo MRT station. Join the Crystal Cabins line to ride in a glass floor gondola. For sweeping city views from a magnificent temple, you can disembark at Zhinan Temple station.

Alternatively, you can continue to the last destination, Maokong station, where you can stroll to a variety of tea shops with views of tea fields and hiking paths. Ride the Moakong Gondola using your EasyCard; if you purchase a Taipei Unlimited Fun Pass, return tickets are free.

Tickets to the Taipei Zoo and Maokong are also discounted here. After seeing Maokong, disembark from the gondola at the second-to-last stop, the zoo's upper entrance, on the way down.

13. Explore Wulai's Forests On Historic Hunting Paths

Source : facebook

50% of Taiwan is covered with forests, and asphalt gives way to the genuine thing remarkably fast, making it a constant treat for those who enjoy the outdoors. Ancient indigenous hunting routes wind through foggy tropical forests in the hilly Wulai municipality.

Pause your hike to relax in deep pools or clear streams, and do this again around the island. With hundreds of peaks rising above 3,000 meters (9,842 feet), Taiwan is also two-thirds mountainous, with well-established hiking trails spread throughout the country.

The second-highest mountain in Northeast Asia, Snow Mountain, is a more scenic ascent than Jade Mountain (Yushan), which is the highest.

14. Visit Yeh Liu Geo Park In Xinbei

Source : facebook

We already have everything you need if you are stressing over where to go next. Yehliu Geological Park is a comprehensive park that serves all visitors in Xinbei, New Taipei. From sturdy rock formations like the Queen's Head, Sea Candles, Fairy Shoe, and Mushroom Rocks to protecting the environment and establishing the nation's first marine park.

This geopark is a must-see while traveling to Taiwan for the first time, whether you're traveling with your spouse, kids, or friends. The marine park is particularly worth seeing. Here, you might take your kids on a guided tour and dive into the marine life tunnel as they marvel at the enormous animals.

15. Discover Houtong, A Cat Populated Village

Source : facebook

As the name indicates, there are a lot of cats in the little town of Houtong, and their numbers are only growing. This town is a highly unusual tourist destination in Taiwan, so if you love cats, you should make it a top priority on your list of things to do there.

Here, you may witness freed cats that come and go as they want. Everyone feeds, cares for, and spoils them. If you are traveling with children, this is a terrific trip for you since they may play or interact with these loving and cuddly cats while learning about their behaviors.

16. Go Shopping At Ximending

Source : taiwanderers

Ximending is among the most popular shopping districts in Taiwan. Going shopping for the first time through the streets of Ximending will be quite enthralling.

Though the district streets are filled with malls, movie theaters, restaurants, and cafes, all commodities can be found at a cheap price within this large shopping and leisure district.

For example, after a day-long travel, every woman deserves to go on a shopping spree with friends or colleagues to spend her hard-earned money on the latest street-style clothes and buy presents for their family back home.

17. Hike Qixing Mountains From Taipei

Source : facebook

Visit the Qixing mountains in Taiwan if you're searching for a tranquil place to explore away from the cityscapes and contemporary metropolises. One of the top activities in Taiwan is hiking up Qixing Mountain, often called Seven Star Mountain.

Qixing Mountain is the tallest mountain in Taipei, in case you were unaware. Hiking a mountain that is 1,120 meters (3,675 feet) above sea level is an exhilarating experience for every hiker. You can get a 360-degree panorama of Yangmingshan Main Peak after climbing to the summit of the mountain.

18. Go For Snorkeling

Source : pexels

Probably one of Taiwan's top spots for snorkeling and scuba diving, Green Island lies 33 kilometers off the coast of Taitung and has a distinct tropical/occasional vibe.

Exploring the region's abundant marine life, which includes, but is not limited to, turtles, reef sharks, feather stars, coral trout, butterflyfish, angelfish, fusiliers, chromis, and more, is strongly encouraged.

These rocks, which are a mix of coral garden beds, walls, and solitary bommies, are home to a wide variety of marine life that you may explore at Green Islands. They are undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Taiwan.

19. Experience River Tracing In Hualien

Source : facebook

Don't miss out on this river-tracing excursion if you're a fearless explorer visiting Hualien. Near Hualien City, there are many fun outdoor activities. One of the most interesting and thrilling activities in Taiwan is river tracing.

An exciting activity that combines walking, climbing, and occasionally even swimming is waterway following. You may dive from the top of the rocks and enjoy the natural shower beneath the waterfalls.

You just need to register for the mountain grant, get the required gear, change your clothes, and you're ready to go. If you are looking for an amazing experience in the concept of Hualien, this is an essential activity.

20. Enjoy A Family Trip To Chimei Museum

Source : facebook

There is a large Fountain of Apollo at the entrance to the plaza, and a bridge that spans the moat is adorned with somber sculptures of Olympus and a row of ferocious white lion heads on either side. You may have fun with your children while visiting Taiwan at the Chimei Museum.

The Angel of Glory monument, which honors the lovely people and objects in this world and represents the protection of the nation, is the major draw of the museum.

It includes many priceless worldwide artworks that were gathered to fulfill Hsu Wen-long's ambitious plan for a historical museum, creating art and music that is accessible to all ages, from 3-year-old babies to 90-year-old grandparents.